Nigerian George Ilenikhena’s Last Minute Heroics Seal Crucial Win for Monaco | OneFootball

Substitute striker secures vital win over Auxerre before Champions League opener against Club Brugge

Nigerian George Ilenikhena’s Last Minute Heroics Seal Crucial Win for Monaco

AS Monaco needed late strike from 19 year old George Ilenikhena to edge past stubborn Auxerre 2 - 1 in Ligue 1 on Saturday sealing 3 crucial point just days before their Champions league return.

How the match unfolded

Takumi Minamino opened the scoring for Monaco on the stroke of halftime with precise finish after defensive error from the hosts.

Auxerre’s hopes seemed crushed when Josue Casimir was dismissed in the 68 minute leaving the home side down to 10 men.

But just four minutes later, Monaco’s Mohammed Salisu turned the ball into his own net under pressure bringing Auxerre level.

VAR then denied Denis Zakaria penalty while Thilo Kehrer struck the crossbar in tense finale.

The decisive moment

When the match looked destined for draw, Vanderson delivered pinpoint cross in the 88 minute that Ilenikhena headed past Theo De Percin sparking wild celebrations among Monaco’s traveling supporters.

Reaction & what’s next

Coach Adi Hütter praised his young striker’s impact while captain Zakaria underlined the importance of securing points ahead of demanding schedule: 6 match in just 20 day.

Monaco now turn their attention to Thursday’s Champions league opener against Club Brugge where new signing Ansu Fati's expected to make his debut.